Basic research on new diagnostic methods and drug discovery for NASH focusing on the gut-liver axis

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16522
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52010:General internal medicine-related
• Research Institution: Kagawa University
• Principal Investigator: TANI JOJI 香川大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (00596075)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 脂肪肝 / 腸管透過性 / マイクロRNA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

NASH and increased intestinal permeability due to intestinal bacteria affect the liver. The lactulose-mannitol test is used to measure intestinal permeability, and high results offer new possibilities for the treatment of NASH. after the interruption of the COVID-19 period, studies have been conducted in humans and mice to create a mouse model of intestinal hyperpermeability NASH. Serum/histology will be used to identify microRNAs that are altered to evaluate their therapeutic potential in NASH. We created a model mouse and decided to study the changes seen in serology and histology before and after administration by comprehensive analysis of microRNAs whose expression was enhanced or attenuated, and identified microRNAs that are serologically/histologically altered. We plan to use human samples in the future.

Free Research Field

肝疾患

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

腸管透過性の診断は、古典的にラクツロース・マンニトールテストが使われ、一般的な検査ではない。血清タンパクやターゲット遺伝子の同定は、患者の早期の拾い上げや治療方針の決定に役立ち、今後の臨床を変化させる可能性がある。